The exit of summer and entrance of fall is punctuated by the bright reds, oranges and yellows that wash over the trees at the change of seasons. As the colors begin to appear, a race against the clock starts for those who wish to see as many fall colors as possible before the leaves fall.
Adam McCurdy, the forest and climate director at Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES), provided some scientific insight behind the dramatic leafy art shows we get to experience every fall.
“The process of leaves turning in the fall is [called] leaf senescence,” McCurdy informed The Sopris Sun. “Senescence is the final stage of leaf development when chloroplasts are broken down and their nutrients are remobilized to other [parts of a tree].”
In simpler terms, according to www.SciJinks.gov, an online publication for kids created by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association, the trees and their leaves sense the changing of seasons and recognize the need to prepare for winter. As the trees detect shorter days and colder temperatures, the website states that leaves will stop the production of chlorophyll, the food needed for photosynthesis, which causes the green color to fade. Once this occurs, reds, oranges and yellows begin to seep in.
“Leaves contain other pigments but they’re overwhelmed by the chlorophyll. Once the chloroplasts and chlorophyll they contain are broken down the remaining pigments are visible,” said McCurdy. “These pigments are primarily carotenoids (yellow and orange colors) and anthocyanins (red and purple colors) giving leaves the yellow, orange and red colors we see in the fall.”
McCurdy added that predictions of when leaves will turn are made by two factors: length of the day and temperature. Higher elevations and north-facing slopes with colder temperatures earlier in the season tend to be where the trees change first. But, because we live in the mountains where unpredictable weather abounds, these indicators aren’t always foolproof when seeking out leaves.
“Mountainous terrain has complex weather, and micro-climates — small areas where the climate differs from the surrounding area — are common and are not often captured by weather stations or observations,” McCurdy noted. “For predicting the timing of change in these areas, local knowledge is important.”
In time for leaf-peeping season, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) put together a list of suggestions for those planning to chase the colors. A press release stated the importance of visitors to Colorado’s parks being respectful of the outdoors to help preserve the natural beauty so people can continue visiting and leaf-peeping for generations to come.
Todd Farrow, the park manager at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, reinforced these suggestions in a quote, noting that how we go about exploring in outdoor spaces matters.
“Conservation starts small, but all of our proactive steps to leave a state park better than we found it, adds up in a meaningful way,” Farrow stated. “No matter where you plan to explore this fall, please respect our natural resources, park staff, volunteers and fellow recreationists.”
If you’re looking to get as much leaf peeping in as possible this season, McCurdy encouraged traveling both near and far to catch the colors while they’re still around.
“Try to visit a lot of different places; you’ll find different watersheds have very different timing,” said McCurdy. “Visiting different areas will help you see the full variety our amazing forests have to offer.”
Five tips from CPW
Know before you go: Have a backup plan when visiting trails or parks — large crowds and limited parking may redirect you to a different area.
Stick to trails: Most Colorado locals know and abide by this rule, but the temptation to go astray for the perfect photo-op can sneak up on you. Following this tip will also minimize your injury, and protect trailside plants and wildlife.
“Leaves” it as you find it: Park in designated locations, avoid stacking rocks as that can cause trail erosion and do not carve into trees or break branches.
Keep wildlife wild: Know what to do if you should encounter wildlife — particularly by not approaching or feeding them.
Share our trails and parks: Be kind and considerate to others visiting.
Todd Farrow, the park manager at Golden Gate Canyon State Park, reinforced these suggestions in a quote, noting that how we go about exploring in outdoor spaces matters.
“Conservation starts small, but all of our proactive steps to leave a state park better than we found it, adds up in a meaningful way,” Farrow stated. “No matter where you plan to explore this fall, please respect our natural resources, park staff, volunteers and fellow recreationists.”
If you’re looking to get as much leaf peeping in as possible this season, McCurdy encouraged traveling both near and far to catch the colors while they’re still around.
“Try to visit a lot of different places; you’ll find different watersheds have very different timing,” said McCurdy. “Visiting different areas will help you see the full variety our amazing forests have to offer.”